Episode #015 - Sohail Ahmed - A Former Extremist's Story

Sohail Ahmed is a former Islamist who was radicalised as a child. In his late teens he considered engaging in an act of violence in London, and it was only when he contemplated upon the potential moral repercussions of his planned actions that he first began to seriously question his ideological belief system. He subsequently underwent an intellectual journey which culminated in his self-deradicalisation. Sohail now works in the counter-extremism space and advocates for Islamic reform. He has appeared on multiple media outlets and has had his testimony presented in parliament.

In this episode, we speak to Sohail about his radicalisation journey, from his upbringing in East London to the point at which he considered carrying out a terrorist attack in the very same city. We also explore how Sohail went on to deradicalize, and his own thoughts on the current state of Islamist terrorism and extremism in the UK.

Listeners may find some language and themes discussed in this episode upsetting.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #014 – The Current State of Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism

This month, Threat Analysts Lucy Hagger and Oliver Hair sit down to discuss their latest research into the current state of Extreme Right-Wing terrorism in the UK. Lucy and Oliver explore a range of topics including how to define Extreme Right-Wing terrorism, the role of the internet in spreading Extreme Right-Wing ideology, as well as the prevalence of Extreme Right-Wing ideology in counter-terrorism investigations related to young adults and children.

Lucy is also joined by Dr. Jessica White, the Acting Director of Conflict and Terrorism Studies at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). As well as providing expert commentary for Pool Re’s latest deep dive report, RUSI have helped Pool Re review their findings and enhance the final analysis.

The full report can be found here: [Report] The Current State of Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism - Pool Reinsurance

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #013 - Jonathan Hall KC - Insights from the UK's Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation

Jonathan Hall KC (@terrorwatchdog) is a practising barrister and was appointed Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation in 2019, and of State Threat Legislation in 2024 after the coming into force of the National Security Act 2023. Jonathan’s annual reports, papers, and speeches are all available online.

In this episode, we speak to Jonathan about what it means to be the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, the evolving nature of terrorism threat in the UK, as well as Jonathan’s own thoughts on the role of the internet in facilitating terrorism and extremism-related activity in the UK.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #012 – Andrew Donaldson - The Shard and mitigating terrorism threat in the UK

Andrew Donaldson is Head of Security for Real Estate Management (UK) Ltd, responsible for security policy, strategy, and crisis management at some of London’s most iconic buildings, including The Shard. Andrew is a Chartered Security Professional, Fellow of the Security Institute, and Co-Chair of their Counter Terrorism and Insider Risk Special Interest Groups. He holds a Master’s degree in International Security and Risk Management, having completed his dissertation concerning the emergence and evolution of al Qa’ida and its impact on protective security. Andrew sits on several project boards and working groups advising on, and supporting, government security matters.

In this episode, we’ll explore Andy’s distinguished career in international counter terrorism with Counter Terrorism Policing and the Ministry of Defence, his top tips for mitigating terrorism threat, as well as his role within the Security Institute as a Chartered Security Professional.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #011 – Joe Whittaker – The incel subculture: An emerging threat?

Joe Whittaker is a senior lecturer in Criminology, Sociology, and Social Policy at Swansea University and is affiliated with the Cyber Threats Research Centre in Swansea. Joe’s doctoral research was a behavioural study of Islamic State actors in America 2012-2018, conducted jointly with Swansea University and Leiden University. Joe also researches the incel subculture, online counter-narratives, and how online recommendation systems interact with extremist content.

In this episode, we explore Joe’s recent research into the incel subculture for the Commission for Countering Extremism. Short for involuntary celibate, incels can broadly be defined as a group of people who are unable to find sexual partners, despite wanting them, and a small subsection of which believe violence to be justified.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #010 – Don Randall MBE – Lessons learnt from a lifetime in counter terrorism.

Don Randall served with the City of London Police from 1969-1995, with specific emphasis on fraud and counter terrorism. Following 13 years at JPMorgan Chase as Managing Director, he joined the Bank of England in 2008 and was appointed the Bank’s first Chief Information Security Officer in 2013.

In 2007, Don was awarded an MBE for services to law enforcement for the harmonisation of the public/private sectors. Don plays a key role within ‘Sister Banks’, City of London Crime Prevention Association, ‘Project Griffin’, the City of London Crime Disorder Reduction Panel, London First Security Advisory Board, London Resilience Board, the London Resilience Business Sector Panel and is a Co-founder and Vice Chairman of the Cross Sector Safety & Security Communications initiative.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #009 - Tom Clementi - How insurance plays a role in managing terrorism threat

Tom Clementi is the Chief Executive Officer of Pool Re. Tom joined Pool Re in April of 2022, following a career spanning law, strategy, business, and insurance. Since joining Pool Re, Tom has overseen the company’s transition to an Arm’s Length Body of the UK Government, continued to ensure that UK terrorism insurance remains fit-for-purpose in the face of an evolving terrorism threat, and overseen the growth and development of Pool Re's advisory and consulting division, Pool Re Solutions.

In this episode we talk about Tom’s career prior to Pool Re, his own experiences of terrorism, a brief history of Pool Re, and how the organisation has evolved alongside the UK terrorism threat. Tom shares his own perspective on how insurance can play a crucial role in building resilience for both business and the UK economy, his own understanding of terrorism threat, and how the threat could change in the next five to ten years.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #008 – Barnaby Jameson KC - Islamist and Right-Wing Terrorism through the eyes of a prosecutor

Barnaby Jameson KC is a barrister with globally recognised expertise in Terrorism. He has been involved in some of the most notorious terrorist cases of the century including plots to overthrow governments, plots to assassinate politicians, and terrorist bombings in the UK and overseas. These cases range from 21/7 (a conspiracy to bomb the London Underground) and other religiously-motivated terrorist matters to more recent cases involving neo-Nazi terror groups concerned in political assassination. He has unique experience of both Islamist terrorism and neo-Nazi terrorism ('White Jihad').

In this episode we talk about the differences and similarities between Islamist and Extreme Right-Wing terrorists, the grey areas surrounding varying terrorism ideologies, and state threats and terrorism.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Note: This episode was recorded on 16 January 2024.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.